Gout Gout is a type of arthritis brought on by the body producing too much uric acid. The body produces uric acid as a waste product when purine-containing substances are broken down. When the body produces too much uric acid, it can crystallize into pointed, needle-like objects that can deposit in joints and result in swelling, redness, and severe pain. Symptoms of gout *Intense pain. *Redness. *Stiffness. *Swelling. *Tenderness, even to light touch, such as from a bed sheet. *Warmth or a feeling like the joint is “on fire.”